Metro Jacksonville

According to political mastermind, Mike Tolbert, Former Mayor Jake Godbold will be having a press conference taking the esteemed Council President out to the Woodshed for recent statement and motions depriving Senior Citizens and Vets of much needed support in the city.

Pass the popcorn.

This should be as soothing as a nuclear bomb.

This just happened over here at the Singleton Senior Center. WJCT and Times-Union were here too.
Unfortunately I was out grabbing a bite while this was really in swing, but I'm getting some notes from those present to pass on.

After talking with the activities coordinator for the seniors, he summed up Mr. Godbold's message as one "that could start a revolt!"
Talking about how awful it was for council to consider cutting these programs first when there are still city cars not being used, BlackBerry bills and such costing more than you'd imagine, and various other sources of 'fat' that should be cut since they're either not in use or being over-used.

Can you imagine though: a lot of senior citizens marching around city hall?  I would LOVE to be there when it happens. And I'm sure it WILL happen now.

Quote from: stephendare on August 28, 2009, 01:40:15 PM
Martha Barrett who was there, says that Jake had the whole center shouting and clapping.

Apparently he made the offer:  If I get the buses, will you come down to City Hall?

and that brought the house down.

And I know how many seniors come here daily, you might've heard that shouting a few blocks away!

Buses. Brilliant. That's gonna be a spectacle in and of itself before the next meeting even starts.

You just know "Mr. Senior", James Fortuna, is turning in his grave over this mess.

Times-Union just updated its story.
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-08-28/story/jacksonville_city_council_president_vows_to_find_money_for_veterans_day_

Jacksonville City Council president vows to find money for Veterans Day Parade
Former mayor Godbold blasts cuts to senior event

Quote...Advocates for senior citizens were also mobilizing in opposition to the budget cuts.

The scene Friday was reminiscent of the movie “Network,” but this time it was former mayor Jake Godbold proclaiming, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.”

Godbold rallied a lunchhour crowd of about 150 at Mary Singleton Senior Citizens Center, upset about news that the Finance Committee was pushing to eliminate a number of senior programs, like safety seminars and a health expo.

Godbold, who was mayor for the bulk of the 1980s, was a trailblazer for senior programs in Jacksonville.

“These people here have paid their dues. They have paid their taxes. They have lived a good life and gotten where they’ve got today through no fault of their own,” he said. “They’ve gotten here because they’re older. It doesn’t mean they don’t need love.”

He choked up at times during his speech.

“They’re not going to do this as long as I’m alive. I promise that,” Godbold said.

Go GET EM JAKE! Say, we ought to go fishing together sometime...

The original streetcar guy...Jacksonville lover... NEMISIS par excellance of the Skyway...

OCKLAWAHA

Clark has caved and said he would have the parade and will find the money for it. He waffles as much as Peyton. Can't we find some leaders with some backbone? Pathetic!

I was with Nelson Cuba this morning and we (Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police) will be donating $10,000 towards the Veteran's Day Parade.